Mid-Day

1997: (May 6) Scores on his debut against Wimbledon.

1998: (Feb 11) Becomes youngest England international of the 20th century when he starts against Chile. Finishes season joint-top scorer in the EPL with 18 goals.  (June 30) Scores a sensational goal against Argentina before England bow out of France ’98.

2001: (Dec 17) Named European Footballer of the Year.

2002: (June) Scores goals against Denmark and Brazil during England’s run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

2003: (April 26) Scores his 100th Premier League goal. (June 11) Captains England and nets twice in 2-1 Euro 2004 qualifying defeat of Slovakia.

2004: (June) Scores one goal for England in Euro 2004. (Aug 12) Sources close to Real Madrid reveal the Spanish club have signed Owen.

2005: Scores 16 goals in his debut season in Spain. (Aug 30) Signs four-year deal with Newcastle, sealing £17million permanent transfer. (Dec 31) Breaks metatarsal in defeat at Tottenham and is ruled out for “several months”.

2006: (June 20) Regains fitness to play in the World Cup but injures his knee in first minute of a group game and is replaced. Ruled out for at least nine months.

2008: (Jan 19) Appointed Newcastle captain.

2009: (May) Finishes the season with 10 goals as Newcastle are relegated from the Premier League. (July) Owen signs a two-year contract with Man United.

2010: (Mar 5) Ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.

2012: (Sept 4) Now a free agent, signs for Stoke.  (Sept 15) Makes Potters debut as an 89th-minute substitute against Man City.